Why You Should Get a Flu Shot

Getting your annual flu shot may seem like a chore, but it is, in fact, one of the best ways to prevent more severe cases of the flu during the season and help the immune system adapt to newer versions of the virus that have adapted over time. Even if the flu may not seem like a severe illness, people can still likely die from the flu as much as any other seasonal illness. The flu begins during the fall months and peaks during the winter months, and according to the CDC, between 9.3 and 49 million cases of the flu occur each year in the United States alone. The vaccine isn’t a 100% guarantee against the virus, but it can prevent you from catching the flu in the future.

How Does The Flu Work?

The flu, known medically as influenza, is the most common reoccurring virus in the world. Influenza infects the respiratory system, attacking the nose, throat, and lungs. The virus occurs in four types, Type A, B, C, and D. The Type A virus is the only influenza virus known to cause global pandemics. Type B causes seasonal epidemics that affect people almost every winter. Type C causes mild versions of the illness and don’t cause epidemics, and Type D is primarily transmitted through cattle and other animals and aren’t known to infect humans. When talking about the vaccine, doctors are concerned mainly with Type A and B, as they’re most likely to cause a massive illness spread.

The Influenza virus in both Type A and B forms can change and morph in two ways: antigenic drift and antigenic shift. When drifting, the influenza virus genes mutate the proteins or antigens, which prevent the immune system from recognizing the virus once it enters the system. During an antigenic drift, these changes happen gradually, and flu shots are designed to allow the immune system to recognize the antigens before it spreads further. During an antigenic shift, these proteins’ changes mutate drastically, such as when the influenza virus transmits from animals to humans. In 2009, the H1N1 virus pandemic was transmitted from swine and birds, causing the pandemic.

How Do Flu Shots Prevent Infection?

Because the flu occurs every year, the virus is continuously evolving in how it’s transmitted and what symptoms it shows. Flu vaccines work by aiding the body in developing antibodies. These antibodies protect against the infection. Throughout the United States, the vaccine protects against four versions of Type A and Type B. Some vaccines have variants in what they contain and are explicitly designed for people 65 and older to help create a more robust immune response. Millions of people get the flu each year and depending on how healthy the immune system is, the flu can even lead to hospitalization and death.

Flu vaccines should be taken every year to protect yourself and those around you from catching the illness. To get your annual flu shot and receive primary family care, contact Dr. Trang D Nyugen at Conroe Family Doctor in Conroe, TX, for more information.

Bone Loss Defense Tips

Our bones have a tough job to do, and they do it every moment of our lives. These sturdy structures help us move, protect our organs, keep us upright, and generally are essential to day to day living. As we age, we undergo certain changes that can have a lasting impact on the health of our bones, and by extension, our quality of life. Women, in particular, have to worry about bone loss as part of menopause and the associated hormonal changes. With a little care and time, it’s possible to slow down, prevent, and possibly even reverse bone loss.

The Major Players In Bone Health

Hormonal changes are just one factor involved in the changes our bones undergo throughout our lives. Each of the following elements has an important role to play and can be vital in taking control of our bone growth, development, and lasting health. If you’re looking for changes you can make to improve the longevity of your bone health, let this list be your guide.

• Calcium Levels – The primary components of our bones are calcium and phosphorous. If your diet doesn’t include enough calcium, you may discover that your bones experience fractures or begin losing density earlier than expected.
• Sedentary Lives – Our bones respond to the demands placed upon them, so physical activity is essential to lasting bone health. Osteoporosis sets in later and advances slower in those living an active lifestyle.
• Weight – Contrary to what you may expect, it is those with extremely low weights that are at greater risk for bone problems than those who carry extra weight. This is often due to malnutrition or having bones that were smaller or lower density, to begin with.
• Vices – Tobacco and Alcohol use have been shown to play a role in weak bones. Men and women alike experience higher levels of bone loss when these substances are included as a regular part of their diet.

What You Can Do To Maintain Your Bones

Protecting against bone loss means getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a calcium-rich diet, and eliminating or limiting your use of alcohol and tobacco. Vitamin D is another essential element in your diet that contributes to bone health, making outdoor exercise and dairy consumption even more essential to preventing bone loss. When hormonal changes play a role in bone loss, your physician may suggest bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to help slow its progress.

When you’re exploring ways to protect your bone health, it can pay to have an ally in your corner. Dr. Trang D Nguyen works with patients throughout the Conroe, TX area to help patients live long and healthy lives with good bone health. Our staff is always available to answer questions at our Conroe Family Doctor Offices or to help you schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen. Don’t wait until bone loss becomes a problem; start taking steps today to ensure your bones are resilient enough to last you a lifetime! We look forward to serving you.